5.8S ribosomal RNA
In molecular biology, the 5.8S ribosomal RNA (5.8S rRNA) is a non-coding RNA component of the large subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome and so plays an important role in protein translation. It is transcribed by RNA polymerase I as part of the 45S precursor that also contains 18S and 28S rRNA. Its function is thought to be in ribosome translocation. It is also known to form covalent linkage to the p53 tumour suppressor protein. 5.8S rRNA can be used as a reference gene for miRNA detection. The 5.8S ribosomal RNA is used to better understand other rRNA processes and pathways in the cell.
| 5.8S ribosomal RNA | |
|---|---|
Predicted secondary structure and sequence conservation of 5.8S ribosomal RNA | |
| Identifiers | |
| Symbol | 5_8S_rRNA |
| Rfam | RF00002 |
| Other data | |
| RNA type | Gene; rRNA |
| Domain(s) | Eukaryota; Archaea |
| GO | GO:0003735 GO:0005840 |
| SO | SO:0000375 |
| PDB structures | PDBe |
The 5.8S rRNA is homologous to the 5' end of non-eukaryotic LSU rRNA. In eukaryotes, the insertion of ITS2 breaks LSU rRNA into 5.8S and 28S rRNAs. Some flies have their 5.8 rRNA further split into two pieces.